Foldable boat

ABSTRACT

A foldable boat comprises a first hull segment, a second hull segment and a hinge assembly connected between the first hull segment and the second hull segment. The hinge assembly enables the hull segments to be moved between an open configuration thereby jointly providing a boat hull usable for boating functionality and a closed configuration wherein a storage space is defined between the two hull segments.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to boats and, more particularly, to boats that include multiple hull segments that are movably attached to each other for enhancing transport and storage thereof.

BACKGROUND

Boating is a very popular activity that allows people to enjoy time on the water by fishing, paddling, or just relaxing. It is a fun activity that can also be a great way to get exercise. It is often necessary to transport a boat and there are several ways to do this. One method is to store it on a trailer and tow it behind your vehicle to the water. Some boats can also be transported on top of a car or truck, provided the boat isn't too large for the vehicle.

Transporting a boat can be very troublesome for several reasons. Trailering a boat is very expensive. The boat owner needs to purchase and license the boat trailer, own a vehicle large enough to safely tow the boat, and pay to maintain the trailer. It is also a time consuming process to attach the trailer to the tow vehicle, load and unload the boat, park the trailer, and then repeat all of these activities at the end of the day. It is also common for boat owners to pay for storage of their boat and trailer, adding to the total cost of ownership of a trailered boat. Driving a vehicle with a trailer can also be risky if the operator does not have adequate experience towing trailers. Another way to transport a boat is by attaching the boat to the top of a vehicle. This is a cheaper way to transport a boat when compared to a trailer, but it presents several new problems. A vehicle large enough to hold a full-length boat on its roof is likely to be very tall, i.e. a pickup truck, van, or sport utility vehicle. Lifting a boat onto such a vehicle can be difficult or impossible for one person alone. However, a shorter vehicle, such as a car, is not long enough to safely carry many boats. The length of the boat can also pose a problem, as it will be awkward for the boat owner to handle. This could result in pulled muscles and/or damage to the boat or vehicle, resulting in a higher cost of boat ownership. When not used, boats take up valuable space in the owner's garage, on the side of the house, in the yard, etc.

Therefore, a boat that overcomes drawbacks of conventional boats and boat transportation practices would be advantageous, desirable and useful.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boat that is configured for enabling it to be configured specifically for use and specifically for storage/transport. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for a boat that includes two hull segments that are movably attached to each other. The hull segments may be moved to and retained in an open configuration whereby the hull segments for a boat hull that provides for conventional boating functionality. However, the hull segments may be moved to a closed configuration, such as through folding one hull segment with respect to the other, for enhancing transport and storage of the boat. Accordingly, the present invention advantageously overcomes one or more shortcomings associated with conventional boats with respect to use, storage and/or transport.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable boat comprises a first hull segment, a second hull segment and a hinge assembly connected between the first hull segment and the second hull segment. The hinge assembly enables the hull segments to be moved between an open configuration thereby jointly providing a boat hull usable for boating functionality and a closed configuration wherein a storage space is defined between the two hull segments.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable boat comprises a first hull segment, a second hull segment and hull movement means. The hull movement means is configured for movably connecting the first hull segment to the second hull segment and for enabling the hull segments to be moved between an open configuration thereby jointly providing a boat hull usable for boating functionality and a closed configuration wherein a storage space is defined between the two hull segments.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a kit for providing a foldable boat comprises a first hull segment, a second hull segment and a hinge assembly. The first hull segment includes a closed bottom portion an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls. The first hull segment includes a closed bottom portion an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls. At least one of upstanding sidewalls of the second hull segment is configured for being engaged with at least one of the upstanding sidewalls of the first hull segment such that the hull segments jointly define a boat hull. The hinge assembly is configured for being connected between the first hull segment and the second hull segment for enabling the hull segments to be moved between an open configuration thereby enabling use of the boat hull for boating functionality and a closed configuration wherein a storage space is defined between the two hull segments.

Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment, a securing clip is removably engaged between the hull segments when the hull segments are in the open configuration and engages the first hull segment and the second hull segment for precluding the hull segments from moving from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first hull segment includes a closed bottom portion, an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls, the first hull segment includes a closed bottom portion, an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls, and a mating one of the upstanding side walls of the second hull segment is engaged in side-by-side relationship with a mating one of the upstanding sidewalls of the first hull segment such that the hull segments jointly define the boat hull.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the securing clip engages the mating one wall of the first hull segment and the mating one wall of the second hull segment.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge assembly is engaged with surfaces of the mating of the upstanding sidewalls of the hull segments that are not in abutted relationship with each other when the hull segments are in the open configuration.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge assembly includes a first hinge member, a second hinge member pivotably connected to the first hinge member, the first hinge member is attached to the first hull segment, the second hinge member is attached to the second hull segment, and the hinge members are configured for positioning the mating one upstanding wall of the hull segments in abutted relationship with each other when the hull segments are in the open configuration.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a seat is provided and includes spaced part hull engaging channels that are each disengagably engage a respective one of the upstanding sidewalls of one of the hull segments for positioning the seat with respect to the hull segments.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, each one of the hull engaging channels receives the respective one of the upstanding sidewalls therein.

These and other objects, embodiments advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a foldable boat in accordance with the present invention, wherein the boat is shown in an open (use) configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the boat of FIG. 1 in a cargo transportation configuration C.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective showing an embodiment of a securing clip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view of a hinge portion of the foldable boat shown in FIGS. 1-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The disclosures made herein relate to various aspects of an apparatus that functions both as a boat and a cargo transport. Such an apparatus, which is in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein, is adapted for overcoming limitations associated with conventional apparatuses providing related functionality. An objective of apparatuses as disclosed herein is to provide a person a fully functional small boat that is easily transportable when folded in half, as well as providing a transport device for cargo when the cargo is placed inside the folded boat. It is advantageous that a foldable boat apparatus as disclosed herein provide a user a functional boat that can be easily transported and stored in less room than a conventional boat of similar size while also providing the user a cargo transport when folded.

Turning now to specific drawings, FIG. 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of a foldable boat 10 in accordance with the present invention. The foldable boat 10 functions as a boat when opened O and as a cargo transport apparatus when closed C. The foldable boat 10 includes a first hull 'segment 12, a second hull segment 14, securing clips 16, a hinge assembly 18, and seats 20. The hinge assembly 18 is attached to and joins the first hull segment 12 to the second hull segment 14 while allowing for the hull segments (12, 14) to rotate relative to one another along the axis defined by the centerline of the hinge assembly 18. The securing clips 16 are attached to the two adjacent walls (22, 24) of the foldable boat 10 when it is in the opened configuration O.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first hull segment 12 includes an elongated body with a bottom panel 30, two outer side panels 26, a sloped panel 34 at one end and an upright panel 22 at the opposite end. Similarly, the second hull segment 14 includes an elongated body with a bottom panel 32, two outer side panels 28, a sloped panel 36 at one end, and an upright panel 24 at the opposite end. The hull segments (12, 14) are movable to an open configuration O (FIG. 1) and to a closed configuration C (FIG. 2). When in the closed configuration C, the hull segments (12, 14) jointly function as a cargo transportation device to be mounted on top of a vehicle. The hull panels of each one of the hulls (12, 14) are attached to one another in a watertight manner to prevent leakage between any of the adjacent panels. It is disclosed herein that the hull panels of the hull segments (12, 14) may be discrete panels attached in a watertight fashion (e.g., connected with threaded fasteners/rivets and sealed with flexible sealant) or the hull segments (12, 14) may each be of a one-piece construction (e.g., injection or rotational molded) such that at least a portion of the panels are integrally formed with each other.

As shown, the bottom panel (30, 32) of each one of the hull segments (12, 14) is flat. However, it is disclosed herein that the bottom panels (30, 32) of one or both of the hull segments may be V-shaped. The sloped panel (34, 36) at the end of each hull segment (12, 14) is the leading or trailing end of the foldable boat 10 depending on the direction the boat 10 is travelling. The configuration of the sloped panels (34, 36) aids in efficient water flow around and under the foldable boat 10. The sloped configuration also provides a more aerodynamically efficient shape when the folded boat 10 is used as a cargo transport on top of a moving vehicle. On the opposite side of the sloped panel (34, 36) are the upright panels (22, 24) between the side panels (26, 28). These upright panels (22, 24) provide an attachment location for the hinge assembly 18 joining the two hull segments (12, 14). The upright panel 22 of the first hull segment 12 also secures the foldable boat 10 in its opened configuration O when the securing clips 16 are affixed to it and the adjacent upright panel 24 of the second hull segment 14. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second hull segments (12, 14) are identical. This characteristic has many advantages such as reduced manufacturing costs and tooling, improved aerodynamics when folded into the cargo transport configuration, and improved water flow as water flows under the sloped front end and out from under the sloped tail end of the boat.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable boat 10 in the open configuration O. It is shown that the respective upright panels (22, 24) of the first and second hull segments (12, 14) are adjacent to one another. The bottom panels (30, 32) of the two hull segments (12, 14) meet to form a continuous bottom panel extending from the sloped panel 34 of the first hull segment 12 to the sloped panel 36 of the second hull segment 14.

FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 show the securing clips 16, which are used to lock the foldable boat 10 into the open configuration O when it is used on the water. The securing clip 16 is a rigid U-shaped apparatus that slides over the adjacent upright panels (22, 24) of the two hull segments (12, 14) and, optionally, the hinge assembly 18 when the foldable boat 10 is in the open configuration O, as is best shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. The adjacent upright panels (22, 24) of the two hull segments (12, 14) are captured between spaced apart legs 17 of the securing clip 16, thereby securing the hull segments (12, 14) in the open configuration O. When the hinge assembly 18 does not span the entire width of the upright panels (22, 24), the securing clips can be placed at locations where the hinge assembly 18 is not present. Once in position, the securing clips 16 prevent the hull segments (12, 14) from pivoting relative to one another, thus safely maintaining the boat's open configuration O. The securing clips 16 are necessary to assure the foldable boat 10 will maintain its structural integrity when in the water.

The hinge assembly 18 includes a first hinge member 38 and a second hinge member 40. The first hinge member 38 has a flat surface 42. Similarly, the second hinge member 40 has a flat surface 44. The hinge members (38, 40) are attached to each other by a central pin 46, thus enabling the two hinge members (38, 40) to pivot with respect to one another about a pivot axis defined by the central pin 46. Each flat surface (42, 44) of the hinge members (38, 40) provides a method for the hinge members (38, 40) to be attached to other components. The flat surface 42 of the first hinge member 38 is attached to the upright panel 22 of the first hull segment 12 while the flat surface 44 of the second hinge member 40 is attached to the upright panel 24 of the second hull segment 14. This allows the hull segments (12, 14) to pivot relative to one another about the pivot axis of the hinge assembly 18. A skilled person will appreciate that the hinge assembly 18 may be divided into several shorter segments as opposed to one continuous unit. The non-hinged areas of the hull's upright panels (22, 24) may be notched to allow the securing clips 16 to be placed into that area. This would provide a flush fitment of the securing clips 16 when the foldable boat 10 is secured open O.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the hinge assembly 18 is configured for enabling the adjacent upright panels (22, 24) of the two hull segments (12, 14) to mate flush when the hull segments (12, 14) are in the open configuration O. A hinge assembly, which is commonly referred to as a piano hinge, is one embodiment of a hinge that will enable the adjacent upright panels (22, 24) of the two hull segments (12, 14) to mate flush when the hull segments (12, 14) are in the open configuration O. A skilled person will appreciate other approaches for pivotably joining the first hull segment 12 to the second hull segment 14 in a manner where the adjacent upright panels (22, 24) of the two hull segments (12, 14) mate flush when the hull segments (12, 14) are in the open configuration O.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view showing orientation and function of the hinge assembly 18, first hull segment 12, and second hull segment 14. The solid line image depicts the foldable boat 10 in its open configuration O. The dashed line image of the second hull segment 14 represents the location of the second hull segment 14 relative to the first hull segment 12 when the foldable boat 10 is folded into the cargo transportation configuration C. Note that the hull segments (12, 14) pivot about the centerline of the hinge pin 46.

The seat 20 spans the width of the hull segment (12, 14). At either end of the seat 20 are two extrusions 48. There is a gap between these two extrusions on either side of the seat 20. The width of this gap is approximately the thickness of the hull segment's (12, 14) outer side panels (26, 28). The seat 20 is wide enough to provide an average sized person a location to sit safely in the foldable boat 10. Multiple seats 20 may be used in the foldable boat 10. The seat 20 is removably engaged with attached to the outer opposite walls (26, 28) of one of the hull segments (12, 14) and span the width of the boat's bottom panel (30, 32) providing a place for occupants to sit. The seat 20 includes spaced-apart hull engaging channels 49. The hull engaging channels 49 each capture a respective one of the outer side panels 26 and rest on top of the respective one of the outer side panels 26. In this manner, the seat 20 is removably mountable on the first hull segment 12 or the second hull segment 14. It is disclosed herein that more than one seat 20 may be provided and utilized.

The material used for each hull segment (12, 14) and seat 20 is a readily available, strong, corrosion-resistant, and manufacturable material such as but not limited to plastic, wood, metal, or any combination thereof. The hinge assembly 18 is a corrosion-resistant metal, plastic, or combination of these two materials. The securing clip 16 will be an extremely strong material to withstand the stresses applied to it. For example, plastic or metal would be used for the securing clip 16. If metal is the strength-providing material used for the securing clip 16, it will be coated in a second softer material to prevent the metal from damaging or marking the hull segments (12, 14) when it is installed, removed, or in use. A skilled person will realize that many varieties of latching mechanisms can be used to secure the foldable boat 10 when it is in its cargo transport configuration C. This includes, but is not limited to straps, hooks, Velcro, clips, and hardware that may or may not be molded into the hull segments (12, 14).

In use, the foldable boat 10 is transported in its cargo transportation configuration C with the seats 20 and securing clips 16 inside the hull segments (12, 14). The sloped or pointed end (34, 36) of the foldable boat 10 is the leading end when being transported in order to aid in aerodynamics. This configuration C is best shown in FIG. 2 wherein the hull segments (12, 14) are closed in a clamshell fashion. To transform the foldable boat 10 from its cargo transportation configuration C to its boat configuration O, the user must first remove the foldable boat 10 from the vehicle and place it near the water. The latch mechanism that secures the foldable boat 10 in its cargo transportation configuration C must first be released. Once released, the hull segment 14 that is on top is rotated about the hinge assembly 18 until the bottom panels (30, 32) of the hull segments (12, 14) form a continuous elongated panel as is best shown in FIG. 1. The next step is to place the securing clips 16 either into the grooved slotted areas in the hull segment upright panels (22, 24) if a flush mounted method is used or on top of the hinge assembly 18 if the flush mounted method is not used. The foldable boat 10 is now securely locked into the open boat configuration O. The final step to prepare the foldable boat 10 for use is to remove the seat 20 or seats from the hull segment 12 and place them into position so that the gap in the extrusions 48 on either side is placed over the hull segment's (12, 14) outer side panels (26, 28). The seats 20 are placed in the foldable boat 10 to best evenly distribute the load of the people in the foldable boat 10 without making one end significantly heavier than the other. When the foldable boat 10 is to be put back into the cargo transportation configuration C, this procedure is repeated in reverse.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A foldable boat, comprising: a first hull segment; a second hull segment; a hinge assembly connected between the first hull segment and the second hull segment for enabling said hull segments to be moved between an open configuration thereby jointly providing a boat hull usable for boating functionality and a closed configuration wherein a storage space is defined between the two hull segments; and wherein the hinge assembly is engaged with surfaces of said one upstanding sidewall of said hull segments that are not in abutted relationship with each other when said hull segments are in the open configuration: and a seat including spaced part hull engaging channels that are each disengagably engage a respective one of said upstanding sidewalls of one of said hull segments for positioning the seat with respect to said hull segments, wherein each one of said hull engaging channels receives the respective one of said upstanding sidewalls therein.
 2. The foldable boat of claim 1, further comprising: a securing clip removably engaged between said hull segments when said hull segments are in the open configuration, wherein said securing clip engages the first hull segment and the second hull segment and precludes said hull segments from moving from the open configuration to the closed configuration.
 3. The foldable boat of claim 2 wherein: the first hull segment including a closed bottom portion, an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls; the first hull segment including a closed bottom portion, an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls, wherein one of upstanding side walls of the second hull segment is engaged in side-by-side relationship with one of said upstanding sidewalls of the first hull segment such that said hull segments jointly define the boat hull; and the securing clip engages said one wall of the first hull segment and said one upstanding sidewall of the second hull segment.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The foldable boat of claim 1 wherein: the hinge assembly includes a first hinge member, a second hinge member pivotably connected to the first hinge member; the first hinge member is attached to the first hull segment; the second hinge member is attached to the second hull segment; and the hinge members are configured for positioning said one wall of said hull segments in abutted relationship with each other when said hull segments are in the open configuration.
 6. (canceled)
 7. A foldable boat, comprising: a first hull segment; a second hull segment; means for movably connecting the first hull segment to the second hull segment and for enabling said hull segments to be moved between an open configuration thereby jointly providing a boat hull usable for boating functionality and a closed configuration wherein a storage space is defined between the two hull segments; wherein said means for connecting and enabling includes a hinge assembly: said hinge assembly being engaged with surfaces of said one upstanding sidewall of said hull segments that are not in abutted relationship with each other when said hull segments are in the open configuration; and a seat including spaced part hull engaging channels that are each disengagably engage a respective one of said upstanding sidewalls of one of said hull segments for positioning the seat with respect to said hull segments, wherein each one of said hull engaging channels receives the respective one of said upstanding sidewalls therein.
 8. The foldable boat of claim 7, further comprising: a securing clip removably engaged between said hull segments when said hull segments are in the open configuration, wherein said securing clip engages the first hull segment and the second hull segment and precludes said hull segments from moving from the open configuration to the closed configuration.
 9. The foldable boat of claim 8 wherein: the first hull segment including a closed bottom portion, an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls; the first hull segment including a closed bottom portion, an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls, wherein one of upstanding side walls of the second hull segment is engaged in side-by-side relationship with one of said upstanding sidewalls of the first hull segment such that said hull segments jointly define the boat hull; and the securing clip engages said one upstanding sidewall of the first hull segment and said one upstanding sidewall of the second hull segment.
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled)
 12. The foldable boat of claim 7 wherein: the hinge assembly includes a first hinge member, a second hinge member pivotably connected to the first hinge member; the first hinge member is attached to the first hull segment; the second hinge member is attached to the second hull segment; and the hinge members are configured for positioning said one wall of said hull segments in abutted relationship with each other when said hull segments are in the open configuration.
 13. (canceled)
 14. A kit for providing a foldable boat, comprising: a first hull segment including a closed bottom portion an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls; a first hull segment including a closed bottom portion an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls, wherein at least one of upstanding side walls of the second hull segment is configured for being engaged with at least one of said upstanding sidewalls of the first hull segment such that said hull segments jointly define a boat hull; and a hinge assembly configured for being connected between the first hull segment and the second hull segment for enabling said hull segments to be moved between an open configuration thereby enabling use of the boat hull for boating functionality and a closed configuration wherein a storage space is defined between the two hull segments; wherein the hinge assembly is configured for being jointly attached to said hull segments in a manner whereby the hinge assembly is engaged with surfaces of said one upstanding sidewall of said hull segments that are not in abutted relationship with each other when said hull segments are in the open configuration: and a seat including spaced part hull engaging channels that are each disengagably engage a respective one of said upstanding sidewalls of one of said hull segments for positioning the seat with respect to said hull segments, wherein each one of said hull engaging channels receives the respective one of said upstanding sidewalls therein.
 15. The kit of claim 14, further comprising: a securing clip removably engagable between said hull segments when said hull segments are in the open configuration, wherein said securing clip is configured for engaging the first hull segment and the second hull segment and precludes said hull segments from moving from the open configuration to the closed configuration.
 16. The kit of claim 15 wherein: the first hull segment including a closed bottom portion, an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls; the first hull segment including a closed bottom portion, an open top portion and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls, wherein one of upstanding side walls of the second hull segment is configured for being engaged in side-by-side relationship with one of said upstanding sidewalls of the first hull segment such that said hull segments jointly define the boat hull; and the securing clip is configured for being engaged with said one upstanding sidewall of the first hull segment and said one upstanding sidewall of the second hull segment.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The kit of claim 14 wherein: the hinge assembly includes a first hinge member, a second hinge member pivotably connected to the first hinge member; the first hinge member is attachable to the first hull segment; the second hinge member is attachable to the second hull segment; and the hinge members are configured for positioning said one wall of said hull segments in abutted relationship with each other when said hull segments are in the open configuration.
 19. (canceled) 